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Correspondence Received, (1 box, 3 folders, 1886-1909)

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This single-item folder contains one letter from T. Thomas Fortune to Lewis H. Latimer, discussing a potential real estate investment in Richmond Hills, New York, in early 1899. This early and unsuccessful attempt by Fortune, Latimer’s friend and fellow activist, to create a small residential enclave for Black intellectuals in Queens may have inspired Latimer’s eventual decision to move his family from Brooklyn to Flushing. It provides insight into economic cooperation among African American professionals in the late 19th century. Content Summary: Letter from T. Thomas Fortune, inviting Latimer and Webster to inspect land for a real estate venture. Suggests financial collaboration and property ownership as a form of Black economic empowerment.
Correspondence Received, (1 box, 3 folders, 1886-1909) picture number 1

T. Thomas Fortune (1856–1928) was one of the most influential Black journalists and activists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, using The New York Age as a platform to advocate for racial justice, economic self-sufficiency, and civil rights. His collaboration with Latimer on a real estate investment underscores: The economic aspirations of Black leaders at the time, demonstrating how they sought financial stability through property ownership. Latimer’s involvement in business beyond his engineering work, reflecting his interest in community development and financial empowerment. The role of The New York Age as a hub for Black intellectuals and business leaders, fostering economic and social networks. This letter sheds light on the intersection of race, business, and economic empowerment in the post-Reconstruction era, illustrating how Black professionals sought to establish generational wealth and independence despite systemic barriers.

Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]The Lewis H. Latimer Papers (1870-1929, 1972) [QPL Subgroup]

Letter from T. Thomas Fortune to Lewis H. Latimer (January 30, 1899)

This is a handwritten letter from T. Thomas Fortune, a prominent African American journalist, civil rights leader, and publisher of The New York Age, to Lewis H. Latimer, dated January 30, 1899. Written on The New York Age letterhead, the letter discusses real estate investment plans in Richmond Hills, in which Fortune expresses interest in partnering with Latimer and Webster to purchase and develop land. He suggests meeting at Webster’s home at 11 o’clock the following Sunday to inspect the lots.

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The New York Age No. 4 Cedar St., Borough of Manhattan Fortune & Peterson, Publishers Afro-American Journal of News and Opinion Subscription $1.50 per year Race Literature at Publishers Prices New York, Jan 30, 1899 Dear Latimer, There are three lots at Richmond Hills which I want you, Webster, and I to look at next Sunday. I control the lots. If I can get you and Webster to go into the scheme, I desire that we should build out there and get into them by May. Will you meet me at Webster’s house at 11 o’clock Sunday next, and go out and look at the situation? Yours truly, T. Thomas Fortune

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Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) QPL Collection

Queens Borough Public Library

JamaicaQueens

New York, USA

North America

United States